Ethics | MINISTRY FROM TWO POLES

Posts Tagged ‘Ethics

Mar

Critical Life Incidents – Entering Seminary

Categories: Personal Stories
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, God, initiatives, memories, Progressive, reconciliation, remembrance, Theology, writing

In August 2001, I began my seminary education as a “special” student. The special classification was because I had no undergraduate degree. I was allowed to take three courses for each of two semesters, after which the admissions committee would decide if an exception to the undergraduate degree requirement would be granted.

Two seminary professors I had met in different circumstances had originally told me of the exception. Each had been aware of my interaction with students who were experiencing difficulties – some while on an immersion trip in Mexico, and another while doing her internship at a church where I worked. In each case the exception was used as a trump card when I played my “I can’t go to seminary – I don’t have a degree” card. Continue reading ‘Critical Life Incidents – Entering Seminary’

Mar

Religions Put Emphasis on Least Theological Issues

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Economic Theology, Ethics and Justice & Mercy
Tags: biblical authority, Capital, Christ, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Economy, Equity, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, God, inclusive, initiatives, Kingdom of God, Liberation theology, marriage equality, Obama, oppression, PC(USA), poverty, Progressive, reconciliation, society, Theology

Theologically speaking, God can be found in all situations. In even the most heinous of events, we can trust God to be at least suffering with those who suffer, mourning with those who mourn and crying with those who cry. So even in this trying economic time, we can envision God’s concern for those who are worst hit by our unfolding system of commerce – the worst hit, of course, being the poorest of the poor and not particularly those whose fortune may have been trimmed by a few billion. Given this, I find interesting the results of a Pew Forum survey of religious people in which they were asked where President Obama and the legislature should concentrate their efforts. Additionally interesting, although I have yet to find an explanation, is the fact that the categories include only white religious people. We are left to surmise the purpose of that decision.

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Continue reading ‘Religions Put Emphasis on Least Theological Issues’

Mar

Government Averse to Curbing Big Business Arrogance

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Economic Theology and Ethics
Tags: Christian, cultural competence, Economy, Ethics, God, history, oppression, poverty, Progressive, society, Theology

In his commentary, AIG bonuses follow an American tradition, Julian Zelizer cites long-standing tradition as the real culprit in the AIG bonus scandal. While both parties are trying to paint the other as complicit, Zelizer makes the cogent point that the Fed’s long-standing tradition of avoidance when it comes to the management and profit-making of big business has been the real enabler.

Zelizer wrote: “In many ways, the bonus scandal was utterly predictable and would likely have happened regardless of which party was in power. And if history is a guide, the populist outrage over the bonuses may not fundamentally change the federal government’s relationship to private business. Traditionally, American politicians in times of crisis have resisted aggressive interventions by government into business which would tamper with managerial prerogatives and profits.” Continue reading ‘Government Averse to Curbing Big Business Arrogance’

Mar

Finally, Laying Blame Where it is Due

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Economic Theology and Ethics
Tags: conflict resolution, cultural competence, Economy, Ethics, oppression, reconciliation, society

I don’t normally like the “blame game”. It is, many times, used to lay blame for negative outcomes on the lowest level of management possible, so that when heads roll they are insignificant. It is a process of scape-goating – finding the lowest person on the ladder of decision-making on which the corporate sins can be laden and then slap them on the behind and send them out into the wilderness of public scrutiny. When, however, there is a systematic strategy of avoiding responsibility, laying blame where it is due becomes the method by which healing can occur. Continue reading ‘Finally, Laying Blame Where it is Due’

Mar

Post-Exilic Community in Haggai & Zechariah 1-8

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Justice & Mercy and Sermons & Studies
Tags: biblical authority, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Economy, Ethics, Faith, God, initiatives, oppression, poverty, reconciliation, Theology

While there seems to be little disagreement over the dating of the prophesies of Haggai and Zechariah[1], the same cannot be said about conditions of the society to which they were delivered. To a large extent, the differences stem not so much from the content of these Biblical books as from varying ideas about the nature of the Babylonian exile of the Judeans. Knowledge of the number and societal standing of the exiles would, of course, have great bearing on the current understanding of both the returning exilic population and those remaining in Judah during the course of the seventy year dispersion. The details relating to the Judean society that can be gleaned from the pages of these prophetic books must be examined in light of the range of ideas that prevail about the previous period. Continue reading ‘Post-Exilic Community in Haggai & Zechariah 1-8’

Mar

“Abstinence Only” Rears Again

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Ethics and Marriage & Sexuality
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, Ethics, Faith, oppression, poverty, society

I would always prefer to avoid criticizing other religious beliefs, opting instead for simply offering an alternate view. I find myself, however, struggling in order to deal with the Pope’s stand on condom use in the battle against HIV/AIDS in a way that is not derogatory. I understand that Catholicism takes an official stand against contraception – well, that isn’t quite true – I accept that it does, even though I do not understand it. In the case of HIV/AIDS, however, the issue isn’t contraception, but the very life of millions of Africans. Continue reading ‘“Abstinence Only” Rears Again’

Mar

What Do the Numbers Actually Say?

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Economic Theology, Ethics and Liberation theology
Tags: Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, God, group dynamics, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Liberation theology, oppression, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, society, Theology

It’s no secret that the the American Religious Identification Survey, conducted by researchers at Trinity College of Hartford, Conn, had some interesting, if not troubling, news for U.S. churches. In a culture and age in which numbers take precedence over other indicators, the results of the survey are sending shock waves down the spines of many denominational hierarchies. As is customary, however, the concentration is on solving the numbers problem, rather than taking a good, long look at the causes. That would require collective introspection – not a process at which mainline denominations are adept. As is not uncommon, it is those outside of the fray that often give the most reasoned critique of the situation. Continue reading ‘What Do the Numbers Actually Say?’

Mar

Christology – Borg vs Wright

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Feminist theology, Liberation theology and Sermons & Studies
Tags: biblical authority, Christ, Christian, Church, Ethics, Faith, Feminist theology, God, history, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Liberation theology, oppression, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, reflections, Theology, writing

If I can be allowed a brief introduction, I have a comment about the perceived theological location of each of the authors. During 2003/2004, while attending Westminster College, Cambridge, I heard three out of four lectures given by N.T. Wright about “New Perspectives on Paul”. More interesting than the lectures was the diatribe from the various seminaries regarding Wright. The Evangelical Anglicans, conservative as opposed to traditional (self-description), denounced him as “apostasy on two legs”, while the Anglican Catholic half of the Church of England considered him a defender, albeit somewhat radical, of traditional theology in the current age. The United Reformed Church (Westminster), a mixture of very traditional (reformed) to very conservative, generally considered him to be a liberal Catholic. (All that being said, the lecture hall was packed to the rafters.) Overall, the book we’re now reading was described in Cambridge seminaries as a conversation between liberal (Wright) and very liberal (Borg). The book’s cover, claiming representation from liberal and conservative camps, seems to be heavily dependent on one’s point of view. Very few conservatives in Wright’s home country view him as anything but liberal. Still, overall it appears that both authors fit somewhere in the less-than-extreme centrist majority of the imaginary liberal-conservative spectrum and, as such, posit stands most Christians should be able to get their heads around.

Continue reading ‘Christology – Borg vs Wright’

Mar

Book Review – Between Vengeance and Forgiveness

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Ethics, Justice & Mercy, Liberation theology and Sermons & Studies
Tags: Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Economy, Equity, Ethics, Faith, history, initiatives, Kingdom of God, oppression, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, society, Theology, writing

How do nations or societies respond after periods of mass violence, indescribable episodes of systematic torture, rape and slaughter of minority or marginalized populations, or even ethnic cleansing and genocide? Historically, of course, the most common response of populations freed from such oppression has been retaliation in at least equal measure, if not more profoundly violent and obscene in character. Despite the world, in the twentieth century, experiencing atrocities of more magnitude and frequency than ever before, Martha Minow somewhat optimistically details several societal responses aimed at seeking collective healing and reconciliation. After discussing the poles of vengeance and forgiveness, Minow expounds on the strengths and limitations of legal remedies, truth commissions and efforts at reparation, before finishing with other possible efforts for reconciliation. Continue reading ‘Book Review – Between Vengeance and Forgiveness’

Mar

Running Someone Through the Wringer … several times

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Ethics, GLBT & Queer Theology and Justice & Mercy
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, group dynamics, history, homophobia, IMAGE OF GOD, inclusive, oppression, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, Theology

Paul Capetz is my one sorrow from the two years I spent at United Theological School in the Twin Cities, my alma mater. I never took a class from Paul, although I benefitted from his faith, wisdom and intellect in other ways. I have no doubt that Paul would have joined the ranks of Chris Smith, Jann Weaver, Eleazar Fernandez and Sharon Tan as exceptional teachers I have experienced first hand. Don’t get me wrong, NONE of the professors at United from whom I took classes were less than great, but these just stood out as truly inspiring. To my great disappointment, I will never know Paul firsthand as a teacher.

I could also never know, firsthand at least, the stress and agony that Paul must be feeling at the hands of an unwieldy ecclesiastical judicial process that is far better equipped at passing a “hot potato” than actually making informed, judicious decisions. Rather than fill some with awe at the intricate workings of judicial machine, which is how I have read some comments, it should fill all Presbyterians with shame. As always, the hand-wringing and juggling of important matters has a human face, and I can only imagine the agony that Paul must feel at times. Continue reading ‘Running Someone Through the Wringer … several times’

Mar

Mission Prayer

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Liberation theology and Prayers/Liturgies/Litanies
Tags: Church, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, group dynamics, inclusive, initiatives, PC(USA), poverty, Progressive, reconciliation, reflections, Theology

This is a prayer to be said by those going to and coming from immersion mission trips. It is a reminder to hold sacred what others trust you with, especially their hearts. Continue reading ‘Mission Prayer’

Mar

Risking Transformation

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Sermons & Studies
Tags: biblical authority, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Equity, Ethics, Faith, God, initiatives, Kingdom of God, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, Theology

Readings: 2 Kings 2:1-14 Mark 9:2-9

Here we have two passages about transformation. There are, obviously, links between the two. Both talk about Elijah, and each deals with a person being transformed by God in the presence of witnesses. And it’s those witnesses I am most interested in.

Each of these principle characters had disciples. Jesus, of course, had several but only three were present – Peter, James and John. Elijah had one, Elisha. Both sets of disciples had just been told that their mentor – their master, if you will – was approaching the end of their ministries, and would soon be taken away. The reactions to these events are interestingly different, despite the similarities that exist. Continue reading ‘Risking Transformation’

Mar

Right (Re)Defining “Bashing”

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Ethics and GLBT & Queer Theology
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, homophobia, inclusive, initiatives, oppression, reconciliation, society

“BASHING” – a word that has long been used by minorities to describe the actions of mobs and people motivated by hate. Some on the religious-right, because of the attention on gay bashing, have started to appropriate this word to talk about how they are being discriminated against. This video is potentially troubling because of some fo the images, but is a must see for those who wish to understand how the word “bashing” in being co-opted and watered down. Continue reading ‘Right (Re)Defining “Bashing”’

Mar

Doth Thou Protesteth Too Much?

By Rev Andy Little 4 Comments

Categories: Ethics and GLBT & Queer Theology
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, group dynamics, history, homophobia, oppression, Progressive, reconciliation, society, Theology

There was an interesting study recently released that measures the appetite for pornography based on scales of religious and social conservatism. The results of this survey are not surprising when compared to other results released years ago.

In the old report, arousal was measured in men, who self-identified from very anti-LGBT to liberal, when they watched “gay porn.” Not surprisingly, those who had the most negative attitude about GLBT had more erectile arousal than those who had less. The results of the survey showed that homophobia is as or more likely to be caused by shame and suppression of innate homosexual tendencies as any other cause.

This recent survey, and the summary article in New Scientist, seems to show a similar pattern Continue reading ‘Doth Thou Protesteth Too Much?’

Mar

What Must Our Children Think

By Rev Andy Little 5 Comments

Categories: Ethics and Justice & Mercy
Tags: Economy, Equity, Ethics, group dynamics, history, oppression, poverty, reconciliation, society

I’ll think about the following the next time I hear someone say something about the “younger generation.”

There are some interesting statistics – nay, absolutely awful ones – from a CNN article this morning. According to the Pew Center on the States, there were 7.3 million adults incarcerated in this country during 2007. A synopsis of the statistical findings should raise a lot of questions:

That is over 3 out of every 100 people in the country.

People of color were disproportionately more represented than whites – over 9 per 100 of black adults and more than 5 per 100 of Hispanic or Latino adults.

Maybe that doesn’t sound too bad to you, Continue reading ‘What Must Our Children Think’

... or, preaching from both ends

Rev Andy Little

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That's too bad - I'm so sorry. Oh, well, just try to make the best of it. What you'll find here is a variety of essays and ramblings to do with things theological, social, whimsical and, sometimes, all three. I don't write to get famous - trust me, I've been told how futile that would be - but to express myself. I love to communicate and browbeat - ummm, I mean dialogue - about the things I find intriguing. Since you're here, and the door's locked, why don't you stay a while. There's a page bar under the header with links to information about us - I mean me. Don't forget to tell me what you think - in a nice way, I mean.